PROS: Terrific hustle and motor against both the pass and the run. Secondary effort plays helped Willekes to produce the third highest tackle total on the team in his first year as a starter. Shows surprising anchor at the line of scrimmage when looking to hold ground against blockers and set the edge. Has desirable short area agility to drive inside or get width when isolated on zone read or option concepts, suggesting there’s mobility needed to be a run defender on the edge. Will be effective in stunt and slant concepts designed to stress OL with lateral mobility and quickness.

CONS: Is unpolished as a pass rusher, despite some quality numbers in 2017. Does not approach rushers with defined plan of attack, nor has he shown counter moves to win after first contact from offensive linemen. Is fairly lean framed, could stand to continue to dedicate time to building up core and lower body strength to help solidify strength as a player. Struggles with finishing rushes after gaining a favorable angle with hard up-field charge, leaving flexibility in question.